The Chain of Freedom stretched from Bowling on the west coast to Falkirk along the Forth and Clyde Canal, successfully connecting along the route in most areas.However, at the time, activists had no idea whether others were turning out across Scotland. Like any ambitious event spanning multiple areas, the movement was required to trust that others would show up. It was a moment of vulnerability for activists, and it paid off.
Organisers Wilma Bowie and Judith Reid shared their thanks after chain participants dispersed, telling The National: “It’s been amazing, such a fantastic day – and so positive, everyone delighted, singing, people from all over. Everybody had different skill sets, and everybody had different highs and lows, and it just worked – that’s the beauty of it.”
Broadcaster Lesley Riddoch joined section 6 and cut the chain of a metal unicorn designed and transported by artist Duncan from Assynt.